Health Care Reform

New Health Care Law: Get the Facts

As the new health care reform package rolls out older Americans have a lot at stake. AARP Utah is working to insure that our members and all Utahns have straightforward, reliable information to enable them to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Here are just some of the features of the law that may be of interest to you:

The new reforms will strengthen and improve Medicare by protecting guaranteed benefits, close the dangerous coverage gap in prescription drug benefits known as the “donut hole,” and provide new preventative benefits like cancer screenings at no cost.

The reforms will offer all Americans access to affordable insurance plans that offer quality coverage, and will crack down on the abusive insurance industry practices that deny people affordable coverage based on age or pre-existing health conditions.

The law will also improve access to the long-term care services and will help millions of Americans remain in their homes instead of more costly care settings. It will also provide new options for people to plan ahead for their long-term care expenses.

The new law will benefit Americans who are 50-64 in a number of ways. It will make it easier to get coverage, and will help the coverage to be more affordable. The law also aids small business owners and supports early retirees. And beginning this year, young adults up to the age of 26 may be able to be included on their parents’ insurance policy.

AARP has many resources available at www.aarp.org/getthefacts. Check out the link to A User’s Guide to Health Care Reform. It boils down the reforms to the basics you need to know about the new law!

AARP Utah will be joining with other organizations and agencies statewide to help older Utahns become better informed about the law. We also welcome the opportunity to speak to groups around the state about the changes coming ahead. Visit www.aarp.org/ut for updates on this informational outreach or to contact our state office for more information.